Samichlaus brought Xmas early this year
Nov 08 '04 (Updated Nov 11 '04)
The Bottom Line Samichlaus isn't cheap - but it is worth indulging in when you can find it. A rare beer that offers up history with great taste.
In my search for pumpkin beers, I finally, I tried an old reliable, Voorhees Discount Liquors, in a last ditch attempt. I was lucky enough to find a Dogfish Head Punkin' Ale, but during my search, I also found another excellent treat - this year's edition of Samichlaus Bier.
[• who is SAMICHLAUS? •]
Samichlaus Bier is produced by Castle Eggenburg is the oldest family-owned brewery in Austria, dating back to the 10th century. The brewery's commercial production can be traced to 1681, although the current family has only owned it for about 200 years (when the Forstinger family purchased it. With Samichlaus, they have created what they call "The World's Most Extraordinary Beer". I don't know about that, but Samichlaus is a wonderful story.
This unique brew is brewed only on December 6th of every year, and then waits 10 months before being bottled and shipped to waiting customers around the world. Brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot purity laws of 1561, the brewery lets it bottom-ferment and age before putting it into the specially decorated 330 ml bottles (11.2 oz) bottles for shipping. These bottles then reach American stores in late October and are usually quickly snapped up.
[• i was a good boy, SAMICHLAUS •]
My bottle was from the 2003 batch, a relative infant for a beer which some people continue to age for years - the longer the wait, supposedly the richer the beer becomes. This is my first chance to sample it, and I don't have the willpower to wait, so I opened mine almost immediately. The bottle is smaller than most, making the cost ($4.49 per bottle) that much more expensive. However, at 14% ABV, the punch it packs makes up for the shortage in volume.
Like any really good beer, I grabbed my Chimay goblet and poured the Samichlaus in. I was a little surprised by the color - I had expected a darker brew but Samichlaus poured to a clearish amber color with very little carbonation.
The first nose was filled with a mixture of scents, dueling sweetness and spice competing for dominance. After warming a bit, strong vanilla tones become to eminate from the glass, enhancing the sweetness without ever becoming too sweet.
My first taste gave me a large amount of alcohol, tingling my tongue before the flavors could take hold. After that initial burst, subsequent sips provided more flavors on the palate. There is an inherent spiciness to the beer, while an intense sweetness mixes with the malt tones in behind it. The sweetness is more reminiscent of molasses than the vanilla from the nose, thick and enveloping on the tongue. The malt character and the hint of what seems to be cinnamon or nutmeg work well together. Together, they provide an incredible smoothness that captures your senses.
[• yes, virginia, there is A SAMICHLAUS •]
The oleo of flavors befits the reputation and nature of this wonderful brew. Complex, with alternating aspects of spice, sweetness and alcohol competing and mixing into an extraordinary flavor. And that flavor's intensity matches the beer's strength - at 14% alcohol, this is a single sitting beer, one you'll want to take time to enjoy.
[• beer SPECIFICS •]
• Awards: None
• ABV: 14.0%
• IBU: unknown
• Shelf-Life: n/a
• Serving Temperature: 55 degrees F (room temperature)
• Calories (per 12 oz.): unknown
• Carbs: unknown
[• more INFORMATION •]
http://www.eggenberger.at/frames_flash.htm
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martytdx
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Member: Marty
Location: New Jersey
Reviews written: 478
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About Me:
Doing what I can to try new places, restaurants, books and beers.
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